A two-day workshop on Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation organised by National Service Scheme (NSS), University of Kashmir in collaboration with Youth Development & Rehabilitation Centre (YDRC), Kashmir & Department of Psychiatry, IMHANS Kashmir started here at University of Kashmir on Tuesday.
The inaugural session of the workshop was held at Ibn-i-Khalidoun auditorium of the University and was presided over by Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof Talat Ahmad.
In his presidential address Vice Chancellor KU Prof Talat while underscoring the significance of the workshop said “Such awareness programs and workshops are of paramount significance in the present scenario where various studies and reports have revealed drug menace having assumed alarming proportions in our valley and as society we have to fight this menace collectively at various levels.”
“However” the Vice Chancellor added “Although the surveys conducted by various NGOs and agencies regarding the percentage of drug menace in the valley show a depressing picture but since our youth are career oriented and enterprising and have prospered in various competitions both at national and international level therefore I am sure those who are caught in this quagmire would be able to come out of it if provided the right kind of guidance and counselling.”
Prof Dr. Mohammad Maqbool Dar, Head, IMHANS, Kashmir delivered the keynote address on the occasion during which he talked about the easy availability of drugs in the valley and role of law and enforcing agencies in putting a check on the sale and purchase of over the counter drugs.
While delving upon the symptoms, various stages involved during addiction, de-addiction therapies, counselling Prof Dr. Dar highlighted the role of parents in helping the youth to defeat this menace which is eating the vitals of our society.
Program Coordinator NSS Dr Musavir Ahmad in his welcome address said that a group 25 participants would be trained during the two-day workshop in the first instance and in future there are plans to introduce drug de-addiction cells in various colleges where trained NSS volunteers would provide awareness and counselling to the youth regarding drug menace.
While quoting a report Dr Musavir said that studies have revealed that youth in the 15-35 age group is the most vulnerable section of the society who have taken to substance abuse.
Dr Muzaffar Ahmad Khan Director YDRC, Kashmir also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the role of YDRC in rehabilitation.
Program Officer NSS KU Wakar Amin conducted the proceedings of the inaugural session while as Program Officer NSS KU Yasir Hamid presented vote of thanks on the occasion.